PW: Random, Disney Strike Children's Publishing Deal

Random House Inc. has struck a deal with Disney Publishing Worldwide that gives Random House Children's Books the rights to publish English-language books in the U.S. and Canada based on Disney properties and characters. The multiyear agreement is the first significant publishing relationship between the two companies.

Under terms of the deal, Random will publish books in an array of formats for young readers, including coloring books and activity books, storybooks, novelty books and early readers. The publishing program, which begins January 1, 2001, will include converting some Disney titles that appeared under the Golden Books imprint to Random titles. Golden and Disney ended their relationship earlier this year. A Random spokesperson said its agreement with Disney "is much more extensive" than the deal Disney had with Golden. Although details are still being worked out, Random will publish "hundreds" of titles annually. In addition to assuming publication of all of the titles currently published by Disney's MouseWorks unit, Random will develop a large number of new titles. Random also has the rights to develop book tie-ins to all future Disney movies as well as tie-ins to programs on the Disney Channel.

Disney is retaining the rights to the MouseWorks name, although the imprint will be dormant for the time being. Kristina Peterson, president of Random's children's media group, and Craig Virden, president and publisher of Random House Children's Books, will oversee the Disney publishing program. Deborah Dugan, senior v-p, managing director for Disney Worldwide, said the agreement with Random is about "innovation. In Random House we have found a publisher who can bring a fresh editorial and marketing approach to the treasures of the Disney portfolio."